Printer Page

• This will just be a brief description on what to look for in printers.  You will probably want color unless you are getting a laser printer.  DPI/resolution (DPI stands for dots per inch) is the most important component to look for.  The simplest way to look at this is the higher, the better.  Sometimes this is given as two numbers such as 1440x720 dpi or as one number, such as 600 dpi.  From what I understand, the 600 dpi number means it is 600x600 dpi and the other dpi format is giving two numbers because it is different by for the horizontal and the vertical dpi.  Other things to consider are the cost per print, the number of pages per minute (the speed), and the actual quality of the printouts, which can usually only be determined by seeing the printer in action.  Also consider the type of printer.  Inkjets are inexpensive but provide color printing.  Most lasers are greyscale only, but are high print quality.  Color lasers are very expensive, but usually have good quality.  Wax-based printers provide great color image quality, but are also expensive. 

Recommendations:

1. 1/17/00 Update- Though not as common and somewhat unheard of, my current number one pick for quality is the ALPS MD-5000 dye-sublimation printer.  It features 2400 dpi printing on any paper.  The quality is amazing, and the price isn't too bad either - under $500.  What's the catch?  It's very slow.  So, depending on how important speed is to you, it might not be the right printer for you. 
2. 10/10/99 Update- For a great budget inkjet printer, you may want to consider the Epson Stylus 740, which prints at 1440x720 dpi. 
   The Epson 640 has the same quality as the 740, but is a little slower and doesn't have USB support (also less expensive).  If speed isn't important, go for it!  This is the printer that I use and its quality is better than the $700 HP 2000Cs!  For the slightly higher end, look at Epson's 900 line. 
3. The HP 722C is also a good printer.  It presents a good combination of price and quality prints. 
4. For the few who can afford it, the Phaser 360 is a great wax-based printer with incredible color print quality, low cost per print, they're fast, will print on all paper, and are less expensive than the good color laser printers.  Printouts are magazine quality.  Cost is around $3500.